<span style="color: #222222;">Several BJP activists today staged protests outside temples in Maharashtra's Thane and Palghar districts and Pune city demanding the reopening of places of worship, which have remained shut amid the COVID-19 pandemic. BJP MLAs, MLCs, Corporators and office-bearers led the protests in various cities across the state.<br />'' <br />'' AIR correspondent reports, the activists resorted to 'Ghanta Naad' (ringing of bells) and banging of plates outside temples across Maharashtra demanding the State Government to reopen the places of worship.<br />'' <br />'' BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis said that religious places in the state should be opened as in other states. He said, if liquor shops and malls can reopen with relaxation of lockdown, why religious places should remain closed.<br />'' <br />'' On the other hand, ahead of Unlock 4.0, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has asked gym owners to frame standard operating procedures (SOPs) and enlist the measures they would take to prevent the spread of Coronavirus if their establishments are allowed to operate.<br />''<br />''Meanwhile, in light of the Bombay High Court's order granting permission for carrying out 'Taziya' procession for Muharram in Mumbai tomorrow, the city police today urged people not to gather in large numbers and avoid crowding on roads owing to COVID-19 pandemic. The city police appealed to people not to believe in social media posts or rumours about the procession and only rely on the copy of the court order. </span>